Carolina Piedmont Division of the Mid-Eastern Region of the NMRA

The Carolina Piedmont Division (CPD) is the 13th division of the Mid-Eastern Region (MER) of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). Founded in 1997, the division focuses on promoting the hobby of model railroading through various community activities and educational programs.

Purpose and Activities

The division is dedicated to furthering the model railroading hobby by organizing public displays, community outreach, and educational activities. It caters to all scales and types of railroads, welcoming both veteran modelers and newcomers to the hobby. Members participate in a wide range of activities, including model building, railroad engineering, and historical preservation of railroads.

Model Railroading Events

The Carolina Piedmont Division hosts and participates in several regional model railroading events. These include clinics, contests, modular layouts, silent auctions, layout tours, prototype tours, and banquets featuring guest speakers. One of the major events organized by the division is the MER Convention, which includes a variety of activities and competitions.

Community Involvement

Beyond promoting the model railroading hobby, the division engages in community projects. For example, it has supported the "Holiday Trains for Kids" program, which aims to bring joy and educate children about model railroading.

Structure

As part of the NMRA's Mid-Eastern Region, the Carolina Piedmont Division operates under the umbrella of a broader organization that sets standards and provides educational resources for model railroaders across North America.

Nonprofit Status

The Carolina Piedmont Division operates as a nonprofit entity, registered under the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 562089922. As such, it relies on donations and volunteer efforts to fund its activities and community programs.

Mission

The division's mission aligns with the NMRA's overall purpose: to foster the development and education of model railroaders while promoting community engagement and the appreciation of this unique hobby.